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    Discharge Instructions for Radical Prostatectomy

    You had a procedure called radical prostatectomy. This removed the entire prostate and nearby tissues. The information below will help you know what to do as you recover from surgery.

    Activity

    • Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it’s OK. This is often after your catheter is removed and you are no longer taking pain medicine.

    • For the first 2 weeks after surgery, limit physical activity. This will let your body rest and heal.

    • Talk with your healthcare provider before going back to your normal activity level.

    • Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

    • Don't go on long car rides.

    • Don't climb stairs or do strenuous exercise. Don’t mow the lawn or use a vacuum cleaner.

    • Take naps if you feel tired.

    Home care

    • Prevent constipation:

      • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

      • Unless directed otherwise, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day (enough to keep your urine light-colored). This will also help keep a healthy flow of urine.

      • Use a laxative or a stool softener if your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

    • Take care of your catheter. Ask for an information sheet and training before leaving the hospital:

      • Keep the catheter well secured.

      • Use either leg bags or external (straight drainage) bags, or both.

      • Empty your bag when it’s half full. You may see some blood in the bag. This is normal after surgery and while the catheter is in place.

      • Use plain soap and water to wash the outside of the catheter and the head of your penis daily, or more often if needed.

    • Return to your normal diet.

    • Shower as normal.

    • Finish the antibiotics that your healthcare provider prescribed.

    • Take pain medicine if needed and as prescribed.

    • Think about wearing sweatpants while you have the catheter. They may be more comfortable than other pants.

    Follow-up

    Make a follow-up appointment as directed.

    When to call your healthcare provider

    Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

    • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

    • Shaking chills

    • Heavy bleeding, clots, or bright red blood from the catheter

    • Catheter that falls out or stops draining

    • Bad-smelling discharge from your catheter

    • Redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at your incision site

    • Drainage, pus, or bleeding from your incision

    • Trouble breathing

    • Hives or rash

    • Nausea and vomiting

    • Diarrhea

    Online Medical Reviewer: Marc Greenstein MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
    Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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